Review: J.Crew Café Full-Length Pant for Work & Play

Over the last few months I have chronicled my journey in finding the perfect work pant. After trying nearly 30 styles in numerous stores, I decided to transition into the online space and begin ordering for trial and error. My first purchase for a more casual office look were the J.Crew Cotton Chino’s which I discussed in my last sale review. I ordered my standard size 12 and they were so tight I couldn’t even get them up my hips. Undeterred, I ordered these Café pants which happen to be the full-length version of my favorite work crops: the J.Crew Café Capri, and I love them.

My biggest qualm with the Café Capri was the length and the tapering of the leg. Skinny legs and cropped pants are tricky on pearshaped bodies and I found myself wishing they came in a longer length. Lo and behold, they do! These pants fit exactly like the Café Capri but come complete with a longer, wider trouser-style leg and slightly thicker material (98% cotton 2% spandex), more appropriate for office wear.

I ordered my standard size 12 at J.Crew and they fit like a glove. The rear is not too tight, the hip fit beautifully and they sit slightly higher on the waist for a truly office-friendly look. The pant pockets are lined with a silk-like polyester material and the overall material of the pant is more substantial than the cotton of the Café Capri. I did end up quickly hemming these pants by 1″ to make them wearable with flats for every day. For reference I am about 5’6″ and if I order another pair and plan to wear them with heels, I will be ordering a “tall” size to accomodate. Finally, I opted to keep the pockets stitched shut for a more streamlined look and would consider having them professionally removed or sewn to keep them in place.

Overall, i’m in love. Worn here for a casual dinner with my boyfriend, these pants easily transition from office to every day.